Golf Putter

Abstract

A golf putter and more specifically a putter head is configured to retrieve a golf ball from a cup on a putting green or to pick up a golf ball from any surface upon which the golf ball is resting. The putter head has a generally C-shaped configuration and defines a centrally located cylindrical channel sized to engage a golf ball and retain the golf ball at a lower end of the channel until removed by hand.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/364,515 entitled GOLF PUTTER and filed by Charles W. Lewis on Jul. 20, 2016, the entirety of which is incorporated by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to golf clubs, and more particularly to a golf putter configured to retrieve a golf ball from a cup on a green, to assist a golfer with alignment prior to making a putting stroke and to provide instant feedback on a putt made with the golf putter.

State of the Art

[0003] There are approximately 29 million golfers in the United States. Of those, sixty-one percent are over the age of fifty and nearly twenty percent are over the age of seventy. In addition, many golfers suffer from back injuries or have back issues that can be aggravated by bending over to pick up a golf ball. This is particularly true among senior golfers that make up the majority of all golfers in this country. The present invention provides a putter and putter head that not only allows a golfer to retrieve a golf ball from a cup on a putting green or from any surface, but also assists the golfer with alignment prior to a putting stroke and provides instant feedback of the putting stroke of the golfer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides a golf putter and putter head that includes a golf ball retrieving aperture that allows a golfer to retrieve a golf ball with the putter from a cup in a golf green or from any other surface upon which a golf ball may be resting.

[0005] According to the present invention, a putter comprises a putter head that includes a front face, a pair of opposing and rearwardly extending flanges extending from the front face and having a generally cylindrical shape with an effective diameter that is less than an inside diameter of a cup. The pair of rearwardly extending flanges define a partially cylindrical aperture positioned behind the front face and extend from a top surface of the putter head to a sole of the putter head, the aperture has a first partially cylindrical portion having an effective diameter that is slightly less than a diameter of a golf ball and is configured to retrieve a golf ball from a surface. A shaft coupled to said putter head and a grip attached to a proximal end of the shaft.

[0006] The shaft may be coupled to the putter head proximate a forward quadrant of the putter head and the putter head is face balanced relative to the shaft.

[0007] The shaft may be contoured to align with a center of gravity of the putter head proximate the front face.

[0008] A width of the putter head from heal to toe may be approximately 3.75 inches and an inside diameter of the cup is approximately 4.25 inches to allow the putter head to be inserted into the cup to retrieve the golf ball therefrom.

[0009] The putter head may comprise a cylinder with the face side cut to form the front face and the back end cut to form a trailing end of the putter head.

[0010] The aperture may be centrally located within the putter head and defines a golf ball grasping portion that forms a partial circle and has a diameter that is between about 1.67 and 1.6 inches to be able to form a friction fit between the golf ball and the golf ball grasping portion.

[0011] The trailing end of the putter head may include a pair of rearwardly extending flanges that extend away from the front face and define and may be separated by a trapezoidally shaped opening of the aperture.

[0012] The pair of rearwardly extending flanges position weight behind the front face on a toe side and heel side of the front face, with less weight positioned directly behind the front face to stabilize the front face when the front face strikes the golf ball at an off center location.

[0013] A plurality of crescent shaped weights may be attached to a bottom surface of each of the pair of rearwardly extending flanges.

[0014] The plurality of crescent shaped weights may be removable and replaceable by removing threaded fasteners that secure the plurality of crescent shaped weights to the putter head.

[0015] Each of the plurality of crescent shaped weights may have a different weight.

[0016] The pair of rearwardly extending flanges may each define a crescent shaped recess for receiving at least one of the plurality of crescent shaped weights.

[0017] The plurality of crescent shaped weights may have a thickness that is substantially similar to a depth of the plurality of crescent shaped recesses so that bottom surfaces of the plurality of crescent shaped weights are substantially flush with a sole of the putter head.

[0018] Each of the plurality of crescent shaped weights may be comprised of at least two portions, with each of the at least two portions having a different weight.

[0019] The front face of the putter head may define a plurality of concentric ridges having a center that is centered between a toe side and a heel side of the putter head.

[0020] A height of the putter face may be between about 1 inch and 1.25 inches and the center of the plurality of concentric ridges may be positioned approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch above a sole of the putter head so that the center of the concentric ridges can contact the center of the golf ball during a putting stroke.

[0021] The putter head may be bottom weighted such that the center of gravity of the putter head is closer to a bottom of the front face than a top.

[0022] These and other advantages and features of the invention are more fully described in the detailed description of the invention with reference to the drawings. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] When considered in connection with the following illustrative figures, a more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a putter in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a top view of a putter head in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a putter head in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the putter head of FIG. 3 with weights according to the present invention removed.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a putter head in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a face side view of another embodiment of a putter head in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a back side view of a putter head according to the present invention positioned within a putting cup containing a golf ball.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a side view of a putter head according to the present invention striking a golf ball.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a top view of the putter head of FIG. 8 striking the golf ball.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0034] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.

[0035] Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. It is noted that the inventor can be his own lexicographer. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the "special" definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a "special" definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

[0036] The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

[0037] Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6. Thus, the use of the words "function," "means" or "step" in the Detailed Description of the Invention or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6 are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases "means for" or "step for" and the specific function, without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a "means for . . . " or "step for . . . " if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventor not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6 are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the illustrated embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

[0038] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. Thus, the full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0039] As used throughout, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0040] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0041] The word "or" as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list.

[0042] As used herein, a "subject" is an individual. The term does not denote a particular age or sex. A "golfer" is a subject that is engaged in the act of golfing or an element thereof, such as putting. As used herein, the term "subject" can be used interchangeably with the term "golfer."

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf putter 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The putter 10 is comprised of a putter head 12 coupled to a shaft 14. The upper end of the shaft 14 includes a grip 16 that is attached to the shaft 14. The head 12 includes a face 18 configured to contact a golf ball when putting. The head also includes an aperture 20 configured to assist a golfer to pick-up or retrieve a golf ball resting upon a surface or positioned inside a cup in a putting green. In order to fit within a standard golf cup, the head 12 is sized to fit within the cup, as will be described in more detail herein. The shaft 14 is coupled to the putter head 12 proximate a forward quadrant or heal portion of the head 12. Because the shaft 14 is not attached to the putter head 18 at precisely the center of gravity of the putter head 12, the putter 10 would not be "face balanced" if the shaft 14 were simply a straight shaft. "Face balanced" is a term that applies to putters and means that when a putter is balanced along its shaft between the grip and the head, the face of the putter will position itself to be parallel to the ground. Conversely, if the toe of the putter is pointing downward, the clubface is not face balanced. In order for the putter head 12 to be face balanced, the shaft 14 is contoured to align with a center of gravity of the putter proximate the face 18. That is, a longitudinal axis A of the long straight portion of the shaft 14, to which the grip 16 is attached at an upper end, extends proximately through a center point P of the face, directly behind which is located the center of gravity of the putter head 12. Thus, the lower end of the shaft 14 includes bends 22 and 24 so that the longitudinal axis A is properly aligned relative to the face 18. The bend 22 may be an approximately 5 to 10 degree bend toward the face 18 of the putter head 12. The bend 24 may be an approximately 10 to 20 degree bend toward the heel of the putter head 12. The center of the bend 22 is about 1/2 to 1 inch above the top surface of the putter head 12 and the center of the bend 24 is about 3 to 4 inches above the top surface of the putter head 12.

[0044] The total width of the putter head 12 from heal to tow at its widest point is approximately 3.75 inches. A standard sized cup for a putting green has an inside diameter of 4.25 inches. As such the putter head 12 can fit within a standard sized cup. See FIGS. 2 and 7. The total width may be smaller or larger than about 3.75 so long as the putter head can fit within a standard cup if the putter head is to be used to retrieve a golf ball from the bottom of a standard cup.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the putter head 12 has a generally cylindrical shape along the toe 30 and heel 32 portions. Essentially, the putter head 12 is a cylinder with the face side cut to form the putter face 18 and the back end cut to form the trailing end 36 of the putter head 12. The diameter of the cylinder of the putter head 12 is less than an inner diameter of a cup 38 so that the putter head 12 can be inserted into the cup 38 to retrieve a golf ball 40. A central aperture 20 defines a golf ball-grasping portion 42 that forms a partial circle and has a diameter that is slightly less than a diameter of a standard golf ball, which according to the USGA must be no less than 1.68 inches. Because a golf ball is formed from various polymers and other plastic materials, by making the golf ball grasping portion 42 with a diameter that is slightly less than 1.68 inches, such as between about 1.67 and 1.6 inches, the golf ball 40 can be wedged within the lower end of the aperture 20 by pressing the putter head 12 against the golf ball 40 when positioned within the golf ball grasping portion 42 of the aperture 20. The trailing end 36 of the putter includes two laterally spaced flanges 44 and 46 that extend away from the face 18 and are separated by a trapezoidally shaped opening 20' of the aperture 20. The flanges 44 and 46 allow for positioning weight behind the putter face 18 on the toe side and heel side of the putter face 18, with less weight positioned directly behind the putter face 18 in order to help stabilize the putter face 18 when putting, especially when the putter face 18 strikes a golf ball at an off center location.

[0046] As further shown in FIG. 3, the putter head 12 has a generally C-shaped configuration and retains the golf ball 40 in the central circular portion 42 of the aperture 20. The two flanges 44 and 46 are provided with crescent shaped weights 50 and 52, respectively. The weights 50 and 52 are removable and replaceable by removing threaded fasteners 56. The weights 50 and 52 can be made from various materials in order to increase or decrease the overall weight of the putter. For example, the weights 50 and 52 may be formed from aluminum, steel, brass, tungsten, plastic, or any other material or allow in order to change the weight of the putter head. In addition, if a golfer desires the putter to be more toe or heel weighted, the golfer can replace one or both of the weights 50 and 52 with heavier or lighter weights so that the putter head is no longer face balanced. For example, golfers whose putting stroke is generally straight back and straight through may benefit more from a face balanced putter. Those golfers, however, that have a more arc-shaped putting stroke may putt more accurately with a putter that is more toe weighted to help the golfer rotate the face of the putter through impact with the golf ball. The putter head 12 of the present invention allows for customizable weighting of the putter head 12 by the golfer to suit the golfer's needs.

[0047] As further shown in FIG. 4, the weights 50 and 52 can be removed by removing screws 56. The screws 56 are provided with a star shaped aperture for use with golf-related torque wrenches known in the art, such as those sold by TaylorMade and others golf equipment manufacturers. The putter head 12 defines a pair of recesses 60 and 62 that are sized and shaped to receive the weights 50 and 52, respectively. The depth of the recesses 60 and 62 are also configures to substantially match a thickness of the weights 50 and 52, respectively, so that when attached to the head 12, the bottom surfaces 50' and 52' of the weights 50 and 52 are substantially flush with the sole 64 of the putter head 12. Threaded apertures 56' are positioned within the recesses 60 and 62 for aligning with holes 56'' formed in the weights 50 and 52 and are configured for receiving threaded fasteners 56 to retain the weights 50 and 52 within the recesses 60 and 62, respectively. The holes 56'' in the weights 50 and 52 are countersunk so that the heads of the screws 56 are recessed within the weights 50 and 52 and do not protrude above the surfaces 50' and 52'.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the putter head 12 may be fitted with a plurality of weights 70-73, with each weight 70-73 taking up approximately one half of a respective recess 60 and 62. In this configuration, the golfer can further customize the distribution of weight of the putter head 12 by placing heavier or lighter weights toward the face 18 or trailing end 36 as preferred by the golfer without affecting face balance of the putter, if desired.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 6, the front face 102 of putter head 100 is provided with a plurality of concentric ridges 104 having a center 106 that is centered between the toe side 108 and the heel side 110 of the putter head 100. The height of the putter face is between about 1 inch and 1.25 inches. As previously mentioned a USGA conforming golf ball has a diameter of 1.68 inches. During a putting stroke, the bottom edge of the face 102 of the putter 100 will be approximately 1/4 to about 1/2 inch above the putting surface. In order to approximately center the center 106 with a center of a golf ball resting on a putting surface, the center 106 is positioned approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch, such as about 0.3 inch, above the sole 112 of the putter head 100 so that the center 106 of the concentric ridges 104 contacts the center of the golf ball during a precise putting stroke. The ridges 104 may be formed in the face 102 by milling, when the putter head is formed from metal, such as aluminum, or by attaching a face insert to the face 102 that includes such ridges 104.

[0050] During a putting stroke, the energy imparted to a golf ball affecting its speed is highest when the golf ball contacts the center of the face 102 and long the center of gravity of the putter face 102. Because the putter head 100 is bottom weighted as shown in FIG. 3, the center of gravity of the putter head 100 is closer to the bottom of the face 102 than the top. As such, the center 106 of the ridges 104 is positioned closer to the bottom of the face 102 than the top and helps to identify the sweet spot of the putter face 102. Striking the golf ball on at this point imparts minimal torque on the putter, thus transferring more predictable energy to the ball, and if the putter face is square (i.e., perpendicular) to the target line at impact and the path of the putter at impact is in alignment with the target line, the initial direction of the golf ball will be along the target line. The alignment channel 114 helps the golfer to visually align the putter head 100 and thus the center 106 of the ridges 104 with the center of the golf ball prior to a putting stroke. If the golfer does not exactly strike the golf ball at the center 106 of the ridges 104, an off center torque is applied to the putter head 100, which can slightly open or close the putter head during the putting stroke. While the weights (see FIG. 3) help to counter such torque from off center hits, the golf ball may still be slightly deflected from the intended target line. The concentric ridges 104 help to counter this by imparting counter spin to the golf ball opposite to the affect of the torque imbalance from an off center hit. Accordingly, the ridges 104 and associated grooves help to direct the ball towards the intended target line.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, when a golf ball 40 is resting at the bottom of a cup 200, the head 12 of the putter 10 can be inserted into the cup 38 to retrieve the golf ball 40 from the cup 38. Pressing the putter head 12 against the ball 40 wedges the ball 40 into the aperture 20 of the head 12 as previously described. Because the bottom of the cup where the ball 40 rests is centrally located within the cup 38 so that the center of the ball is aligned with the long axis L of the cup 38 the cylindrical portion of the aperture 20 is also centrally aligned with the long axis L so that when the putter head 12 is inserted into the cup 38, the aperture 20 will align with the ball 40 positioned at the bottom of the cup 38. Once the putter head 12 is inserted into the cup 38, even though the putter head 12 may be positioned closer to one side of the cup than the other, once the bottom of the aperture 20 engages the ball 40, the putter head 12 and thus the aperture 20 will be automatically aligned by the ball 40. Because the outermost edges 80 and 82 of the bottom surface of the putter head 12 are positioned above the bottom surface 84 of the cup, the putter head 12 can be pressed against the golf ball 40 causing the golf ball to become temporarily wedged within the aperture 20 so that it can be retrieved from the cup 38 without requiring the golfer to remove the golf ball 40 from the cup 38 by hand.

[0052] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a golf ball 40 being struck the putter 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the face 18 of the putter head 12 has a loft of approximately 4 degrees relative to the putting surface, but may be between about 2 degrees and 6 degrees. The alignment channel 90 formed in the top of the leading edge of the putter head 12 helps the golfer to align the center of the face 18 of the putter head 12 with the center of the golf ball. The shape of the head 12 as shown in FIG. 8, has a stepped down shape from the face 18 to the rear flanges 44 and 46 (see FIG. 9). The lower position of the flanges 44 and 46 help to further lower the center of gravity of the putter head 12 below the equator of the golf ball 40.

[0053] As previously mentioned, the putter head 12 is formed from metal, such as aluminum and has a C-shaped configuration with a front face and laterally extending flanges 44 and 46 separated by the partial cylindrical aperture 20. The combination of the material used to form the head 12 and its shape results in a tuning fork configuration that causes a tone to be generated when the putter head 12 strikes a golf ball 40. Moreover, the harder the golf ball 40 is struck, the louder the tone becomes so that the golfer obtains instant feedback on the amount of energy imparted to the golf ball during the strike. This can be used to train the golfer to better control distance of putting by trying to obtain a particular loudness level of the tone for a put of a particular distance. For example, a short putt of three feet will result in a relatively quiet tone. The golfer can then repeat that putt until a tone is achieved that matches the desired putting distance. Similarly, for a longer putt of 15 feet, the golfer can practice putting to achieve a particular tone loudness level that corresponds to the proper putt distance with a golf ball is struck. When putting a particular distance on a course, the golfer can then putt to produce a particular tone level in order to produce a putt of a desired distance and will receive immediate tonal feedback to know whether the putt imparted proper energy to the ball.

[0054] The loudness of the tone is also affected by the quality of the strike. That is, off center puts produce less tone volume than center hits with the same club head velocity. Thus, the user can also receive instant feedback on the quality of the putting stroke as to whether the full tone amplitude is heard or if the tone has been muted to some degree due to an off center strike. Thus in addition to tactile feedback as to the quality of a putting stroke, which is usually the only method a golfer has in determining whether the golf ball was struck in the center of the club face, the golfer will also receive audio feedback.

[0055] It should be noted that a putter head might be implemented with one or more of the aforementioned features in any combination thereof. Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims, which follow.

[0056] In the foregoing specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, not restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described.

[0057] For example, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

[0058] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problem, or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components of any or all the claims.

[0059] The terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprising", "having", "including", "includes" or any variations of such terms, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

Claims

1. A putter, comprising: a putter head comprising: a front face; a pair of opposing and rearwardly extending flanges extending from said front face and having a generally cylindrical shape with an effective diameter that is less than an inside diameter of a cup, the pair of rearwardly extending flanges defining a partially cylindrical aperture positioned behind the front face and extending from a top surface of the putter head to a sole of the putter head, the aperture having a first partially cylindrical portion having an effective diameter that is slightly less than a diameter of a golf ball configured to retrieve a golf ball from a surface; a shaft coupled to said putter head; and a grip attached to a proximal end of the shaft.

2. The putter of claim 1, wherein the shaft is coupled to the putter head proximate a forward quadrant of the putter head and the putter head is face balanced relative to the shaft.

3. The putter of claim 2, wherein the shaft is contoured to align with a center of gravity of the putter head proximate the front face.

4. The putter of claim 1, wherein a width of the putter head from heal to toe is approximately 3.75 inches and wherein an inside diameter of the cup is approximately 4.25 inches to allow the putter head to be inserted into the cup to retrieve the golf ball therefrom.

5. The putter of claim 1, wherein the putter head comprises a cylinder with the face side cut to form the front face and the back end cut to form a trailing end of the putter head.

6. The putter of claim 5, wherein the aperture is centrally located within the putter head and defines a golf ball grasping portion that forms a partial circle and has a diameter that is between about 1.67 and 1.6 inches to be able to form a friction fit between the golf ball and the golf ball grasping portion.

7. The putter of claim 5, wherein the trailing end of the putter head that includes the pair of rearwardly extending flanges that extend away from the front face define and are separated by a trapezoidally shaped opening of the aperture.

8. The putter of claim 7, wherein the pair of rearwardly extending flanges position weight behind the front face on a toe side and heel side of the front face, with less weight positioned directly behind the front face to stabilize the front face when the front face strikes the golf ball at an off center location.

9. The putter of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of crescent shaped weights, at least one of which is attached to a bottom surface of each of the pair of rearwardly extending flanges.

10. The putter of claim 9, wherein the plurality of crescent shaped weights are removable and replaceable by removing threaded fasteners that secure the plurality of crescent shaped weights to the putter head.

11. The putter of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of crescent shaped weights have a different weight.

12. The putter of claim 9, wherein the pair of rearwardly extending flanges each define a crescent shaped recess for receiving at least one of the plurality of crescent shaped weights.

13. The putter of claim 12, wherein the plurality of crescent shaped weights have a thickness that is substantially similar to a depth of the plurality of crescent shaped recesses so that bottom surfaces of the plurality of crescent shaped weights are substantially flush with a sole of the putter head.

14. The putter of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of crescent shaped weights are comprised of at least two portions, with each of the at least two portions having a different weight.

15. The putter of claim 1, wherein the front face of the putter head defines a plurality of concentric ridges having a center that is centered between a toe side and a heel side of the putter head.

16. The putter of claim 15, wherein a height of the putter face is between about 1 inch and 1.25 inches and wherein the center of the plurality of concentric ridges is positioned approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch above a sole of the putter head so that the center of the concentric ridges can contact the center of the golf ball during a putting stroke.

17. The putter of claim 1, wherein the putter head is bottom weighted such that the center of gravity of the putter head is closer to a bottom of the front face than a top.

18. A putter head, comprising: a generally C-shaped head defining a putter face, a pair of rearwardly extending flanges depending from the putter face, the pair of rearwardly extending flanges defining a central aperture having a diameter configured for partially wedging a golf ball therein, at least two recesses, each formed in a bottom surface of one of the pair of flanges; and at least two weights, each configured to be received within one of the at least two recesses, the at least two weights, each having a crescent shape.

19. The putter head of claim 18, wherein a width of the head from heal to toe is approximately 3.75 inches and wherein an inside diameter of the cup is approximately 4.25 inches to allow the head to be inserted into the cup to retrieve the golf ball therefrom.

20. The putter head of claim 18, wherein the head comprises a cylinder with the face side cut to form the front face and the back end cut to form a trailing end of the head.

21. The putter head of claim 20, wherein the central aperture defines a golf ball grasping portion that forms a partial circle and has a diameter that is between about 1.67 and 1.6 inches to be able to form a friction fit between the golf ball and the golf ball grasping portion.

22. The putter head of claim 20, wherein the trailing end of the putter head that includes the pair of rearwardly extending flanges that extend away from the front face define and are separated by a trapezoidally shaped opening of the aperture.

23. The putter head of claim 22, wherein the pair of rearwardly extending flanges position weight behind the putter face on a toe side and heel side of the putter face, with less weight positioned directly behind the putter face to stabilize the putter face when the putter face strikes the golf ball at an off center location.

24. The putter head of claim 18, wherein the at least two weights are removable and replaceable by removing threaded fasteners that secure the at least two weights to the putter head.

25. The putter head of claim 24, wherein each of the at least two weights have a different weight.

26. The putter head of claim 24, wherein the at least two weights have a thickness that is substantially similar to a depth of the at least two recesses so that bottom surfaces of the at least two weights are substantially flush with a sole of the head.

27. The putter head of claim 24, wherein each of the at least two weights are comprised of at least two portions, with each of the at least two portions having a different weight.

28. The putter head of claim 18, wherein the face of the head defines a plurality of concentric ridges having a center that is centered between a toe side and a heel side of the head.

29. The putter head of claim 28, wherein a height of the face is between about 1 inch and 1.25 inches and wherein the center of the plurality of concentric ridges is positioned approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch above a sole of the putter head so that the center of the concentric ridges can contact the center of the golf ball during a putting stroke.

30. The putter of claim 18, wherein the head is bottom weighted such that the center of gravity of the putter head is closer to a bottom of the front face than a top.